Claim OwnershipThe Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals
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Are you a teacher looking for support with students with diverse needs or behavior management in the classroom? Tune into The Misfit Behaviorists podcast, hosted by Caitlin Beltran, Audra Jensen, and Sami Brown, three BCBAs (and two special education teachers), as they bring you actionable tips to behavior reduction and skill acquisition. Listen to evidence-based strategies with a student-centered focus as they share practical advice for special education teachers, behavior support teachers, BCBAs, and ABA professionals.
Whether you're seeking advice or just want to laugh, new to the field or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, tune in for this unique blend of professional expertise and real-life experience. Weekly episodes will be concise, because we know your time is limited! Don’t miss it!
Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: https://abainschool.com/misfits
😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!
- Apple podcast | abainschool.com/misfitsonapple
- Instagram | @themisfitbehaviorists
- YouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists
👋 Find us!
- Audra | abainschool.com
- Caitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com
- Sami | behavioranalyticsupport.com
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51 Episodes
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This episode explores the intersection of autism and anxiety, highlighting how to identify and address anxiety-driven behaviors in students with autism through evidence-based, student-centered approaches. ✨ Key Takeaways ✔️ We address a recent Facebook group question about trichotillomania and anxiety. ✔️ Recognizing Anxiety in Autism: Girls with autism often exhibit higher levels of social anxiety due to heightened awareness of social differences. ✔️ The Evolution of ABA: 20 years ago, inte...
Creating a classroom schedule for special education and ABA settings can feel like solving a puzzle! In this episode, Caitlin and Audra share their strategies, tips, and tricks to make scheduling manageable and effective for students and staff. From color-coding and post-it notes to balancing para rotations, this episode will help you build a flexible schedule that works for everyone. ✨ Key Takeaways 🕒 Start with the non-negotiables: Plot out staff lunch breaks, student lunch, therapy schedu...
Working with paras in special education classrooms can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share practical strategies for creating a positive, productive environment for paras, fostering teamwork, and addressing common issues like problem behaviors and resistance to change. ✨ Key Takeaways 📝 Set clear expectations: Overcommunicate and provide written resources like para binders for clarity. 🌟 Acknowledge strengths: Reinforce and assign tasks tha...
What if inclusion didn’t just mean “pushing students in” but also “inviting peers in”? In this episode, we chat with Megan Stenziano from Moms Managing Behavior about a game-changing approach called reverse inclusion. From lunch and recess to peer buddy programs and after-school activities, Megan walks us through how her school created inclusive, meaningful social opportunities for all students. We discuss creative ideas, practical solutions, and even a program so popular it had parents sayin...
In this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite behavior books for teachers, BCBAs, and parents. From foundational ABA classics to practical sensory guides, we’ll explore resources that equip you with tools to better support your learners! 🎯 Key Takeaways 📚 Build Your Behavior Toolkit: The right books can equip parents, teachers, and behavior analysts with actionable strategies. 🧠 Diverse Perspectives: From ABA foundations to sensory needs, there's something for every professional and pa...
In this episode, we are tackling the first step of developing a solid behavior plan after the FBA has been completed and decisions made. Today, let's talk about Setting Event Strategies! Key Takeaways 🧠 What Are Setting Event Strategies? These are long-term adjustments that address factors influencing behavior, such as sleep, nutrition, routines, and the environment. 🌊 The Iceberg Analogy: Setting events are like the part of the iceberg beneath the water—hidden but critical for understanding...
In this episode, we discuss the challenges of protecting vulnerable populations, including aging parents and individuals with autism, from scams. We dive into practical strategies for teaching boundaries, internet safety, and identifying red flags, with examples tailored for different developmental levels. 🎯 Key Takeaways 💡 Scammers thrive on urgency: Their goal is to create fight-or-flight reactions, pushing victims to act quickly and irrationally. 🔑 Examples and non-examples matter: Teachi...
🎯 Key Takeaways ✔️ Collaboration is Key: Bringing the family and team together at this stage ensures everyone is on the same page and supports a collaborative approach to behavioral intervention. ✔️ The Importance of the FBA Meeting: The FBA meeting is an essential step to review findings, involve the family, and determine whether a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is needed. ✔️ What We Look For: In this episode, we discuss guiding questions to help decide if a BIP is necessary, such as wheth...
🎯 Key Takeaways ✔️ Prompt Dependence Defined: Understanding prompt dependence and its impact on students’ ability to act independently. ✔️ Choosing the Right Prompting Strategy: Not all learners benefit from the same prompts! Learn how to assess if most-to-least or least-to-most is right for your learner. ✔️ The Power of the Pause: Pausing before prompting gives learners a chance to respond independently, which is key for fostering confidence and autonomy. ✔️ Prompt Fading Tips: Systematic fa...
Key Takeaways 📝 Differences Between IEPs & 504 Plans: IEPs offer specialized instruction and services, while 504s provide accommodations to help students access general education. 📊 Eligibility Requirements: IEPs require both a disability diagnosis and educational impact, while 504s only require a documented disability. 👩🏫 Parental Advocacy Tips: Advocating for accommodations without overwhelming the 504 can enhance support. 🎓 Transitioning from IEP to 504: Discusses when students might ...
In this episode, Audra and Sami discuss the ethical implications surrounding the recent P. Diddy scandal, power dynamics in influential figures, and how this ties into our work as behavior analysts and educators. We dive deep into the importance of giving assent to students and clients and why protecting vulnerable individuals—whether in schools or society—must be our priority. Key Takeaways: 🧠 Power dynamics matter: Figures in positions of authority can misuse influence, making it crucial f...
Welcome back to the Misfit Behaviorist Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we continue our exploration of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) with a focus on the critical data collection process. We dive deep into how to effectively gather, analyze, and interpret data to create meaningful behavior intervention plans (BIPs). Join hosts Audra Jensen and Sami Brown as they share their insights on navigating the complexities of data collection in special education settings. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Underst...
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of data collection within the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Join us as we explore how to transition from anecdotal data to targeted interventions that create meaningful change for students. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: - Importance of gathering accurate data to inform behavior interventions. 📊 - The process of sifting through anecdotal information and ABC data to identify target behaviors. 🔄 - Strategies for creating operational...
In this episode, we engage in a heartfelt and important discussion about mental health, suicide, and the impact of grief. Sami shares her personal story of losing her brother to suicide at a young age and reflects on how that experience has shaped her perspective as both an individual and a parent. Trigger Warning: In this episode, we engage in a candid conversation about suicide and mental health. We acknowledge that these topics can be triggering for some individuals. If you or someone you...
In this episode, Audra and Sami delve into the essentials of collecting ABC data as part of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. They discuss the significance of understanding antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in identifying patterns that lead to effective behavior interventions. Key Topics: Introduction to ABC Data:Definition of Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.Importance of accurate data collection.Benefits of ABC Data:Simplified approach for staff training.Helps id...
🎙 In this special episode, Audra interviews her daughter about growing up with an autistic brother. From navigating childhood to building a unique bond, they dive deep into the joys, challenges, and how autism shaped their family dynamics. Honest, funny, and heartfelt, this episode offers a sibling’s candid (very!) perspective on life with an autistic brother. Key Points: 🏡 Early Realizations: What it was like to grow up with an autistic sibling from an early age. 💡 Shifting Attention: Navig...
In this episode of Misfit Behaviorists, we dive deep into the art of conducting thorough and effective Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) observations. 🎯 Learn why it’s crucial to look beyond the student on your radar and understand the behavior of the entire classroom. We'll share tips on how to blend in like a wallflower 🌸 and gather unbiased, comprehensive data across various settings and times. Key Topics Covered: The importance of observing both typical and atypical behaviors in all s...
In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, Audra and Sami dive into the second step of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process—conducting initial interviews. They discuss how to approach interviews with parents, teachers, and even the student, while maintaining a neutral, empathetic, and objective stance. By focusing on building trust, gathering comprehensive insights, and respecting confidentiality, this episode provides valuable tips for BCBAs looking to gather meaningful ...
In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorist podcast, join hosts Audra Jensen and Sami Brown as they kick off a new mini-series focused on the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Audra and Sami delve into the importance of having a structured referral process, how it helps teachers, and why clear communication with parents is crucial. Discover practical advice and real-life examples on identifying when a behavior truly needs intervention and how teachers can effectively use a referral ...
In this episode, we shed some light on what elements are crucial to develop a positive working relationships with RBTs and ABA paraprofessionals. Learn some tips and tricks to use with scheduling and communication to help keep your supervision meetings running smoothly! 🎉 FREEBIE this week: Check out the FB Group for pre-made printable supervision logs and session notes to use with your RBTs! 🙌🏼 ✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like-minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE re...
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